Bick Vocational/Trade School Scholarship

My decision to pursue an education in the culinary arts is rooted in both my life experiences and my desire to build a meaningful future. As an Army veteran living with PTSD, I have faced challenges that have tested my strength, resilience, and sense of purpose. I Have since discovered that cooking is more than preparing meals,it is a form of healing, self-expression, and hope. Seeing people enjoy the food that I’ve created gives me a renewed sense of purpose. Culinary education will allow me to transform that passion into a lifelong career while serving others through food. The Army taught me discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance and still guide me every day. However, transitioning to civilian life came with unexpected obstacles, like dealing with PTSD. Finding healthy ways to cope became essential, and I found peace in the chaos of the kitchen . Cutting vegetables, measuring ingredients, and creating a meal requires focus and mindfulness. When I cook, the stress and anxiety that often accompany PTSD become quieter, replaced by creativity, purpose, and accomplishment. Cooking has become my therapy, giving me an outlet to express myself while creating something that brings comfort and joy to others. As my passion for cooking grew, I realized I wanted to develop my skills professionally. A culinary education will provide me with the technical knowledge, hands-on training, and industry experience needed to excel as a chef. I am eager to learn from experienced instructors, master a variety of cooking techniques, and deepen my understanding of nutrition, food safety, and kitchen management. I know that success in the culinary industry requires continuous learning, dedication, and hard work, which are qualities I developed during my military service and continue to strengthen every day. My long-term career goal is to become a professional chef and eventually own a restaurant that reflects my journey and values. I want my restaurant to be more than just a place to eat, I want it to be a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can gather, connect, and experience the comfort that a thoughtfully prepared meal can provide. I also hope to mentor fellow veterans who are transitioning to civilian life by creating employment opportunities and demonstrating that it is possible to build a successful and fulfilling career after military service. If I can inspire even one veteran to discover the same sense of purpose that cooking has given me, I will consider that one of my greatest accomplishments. Receiving this scholarship would help remove financial barriers and allow me to focus on developing the skills needed to achieve my goals. More importantly, it would represent an investment in someone who has overcome adversity and is committed to giving back through service, leadership, and compassion. My experiences have taught me that healing is a journey, and for me, that journey begins in the kitchen. Through culinary education, I plan to transform my passion into a career that serves others and honors the resilience that has shaped my life.

My love for automotive repair started out as a teenager. I found that I just loved knowing how things worked. I took welding and small engines my freshman year. I got my first car at the age of 23. At that time I wasn't financially able to take my car to get work done, so I ended up doing things myself. Starting with changing the oil, then the brakes. I spent a lot of time figuring out what was wrong with both my own and my family's cars. What started out as an act of desperation became something I absolutely fell in love with; I spent the last 12 years learning how to make needed repairs and do maintenance. Now at the age of 35 I want to live my dream of working in and owning a shop. I want my main focus to be helping those like myself that can’t afford to have their cars break down because it will wreck their entire life. There are a lot of people whose whole lives are incredibly dependent on having an operable vehicle while not being able to afford to have a savings and genuinely are 1 paycheck away from losing everything they spend their lives struggling to hold on to. I believe strongly that this scholarship will help me continue to afford my classes and keep my focus on my family's future. A future where we don’t have to struggle and I can afford whatever my daughter wants and needs. A future where I am able to help families like my own keep their livelihoods intact. I have already completed welding 10, basic brakes, basic engines, and advanced engines. By the end of this semester I will have completed basic electrical and ac. I have achieved an A in all courses I have completed and will continue to do my very best to achieve the highest scores possible. After I complete the master technician program I will go on to do autobody repairs. I am also considering entering the diesel program, so I can further my ability and diversify my skills. I want to start by getting a job at either a small shop or a dealership to save money, and learn the back ends of shop ownership. Then open my own shop and figure out how to start a 5013c that accepts donations so I can run my shop on a sliding scale for repair costs. so that people who would normally be devastated by the loss of an operating vehicle and the cost of vehicle repairs can continue life with one less stress on their shoulders. I would also like to buy cars and repair them and sell them to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford a vehicle purchase and funnel that money back into buying and repairing other vehicles for the same purpose of selling operable cars at a lower purchase point with payment plans based on income.

At 49 years old, I am proving to myself that it is never too late to build a new future. After serving four years in the United States Navy aboard an aircraft carrier, I spent nearly 30 years working in a variety of blue-collar jobs. Those years taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and taking pride in a job well done. They also taught me that there is a difference between having a job and having a career. Today, I am pursuing the Precision Machining and Manufacturing program at Perry Technical Institute because I want a career that challenges me, allows me to keep learning, and gives me the opportunity to create something meaningful. One of the biggest inspirations for pursuing the trades has been my appreciation for craftsmanship. I enjoy working with my hands and solving practical problems. One of my favorite hobbies is painting miniature models, where patience, precision, and attention to detail are essential. That same mindset is what drew me to precision machining. I enjoy the challenge of producing work that must be accurate and dependable, knowing that the parts I create will play an important role in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. The road to this point has not been easy. Since March 2026, I have been unemployed and have relied on SNAP benefits while earning a small income through part-time property management work, completing construction and demolition projects at a mountain cabin. Returning to school at my age is both exciting and intimidating. There are financial pressures, family responsibilities, and the uncertainty that comes with starting over. Instead of allowing those challenges to stop me, I have chosen to see them as motivation to build a better future. Throughout my life, I have learned that meaningful work extends beyond earning a paycheck. I have volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission, serving meals to people experiencing homelessness. Those experiences reminded me that anyone can face difficult circumstances and that compassion matters. That experience has shaped the kind of person I want to be both on and off the job. My goal is to become a skilled precision machinist known for quality, integrity, and reliability. I want to build a career where I can provide for my family, continue developing my skills, and take pride in knowing that my work contributes to products and equipment people depend on every day. Skilled trades matter because they create the things that keep our communities functioning. Behind every machine, building, vehicle, and piece of equipment is someone who had the knowledge and dedication to build it correctly. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of returning to school and allow me to focus on becoming the best machinist I can be. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who is determined to prove that success is not defined by age or circumstance, but by the willingness to work hard, keep learning, and never give up on building a better future.

My path into automotive mechanics began on a farm at a very young age. Where I learned early, when equipment fails, work stops, and the ability to diagnose and repair it makes all the difference. I remember sitting on a stack of telephone books just to see over the steering wheel of our old Chevy hay truck, carefully navigating around scattered bales in the field. In those moments, I realized I didn’t just want to operate machines; I wanted to understand them & be able to fix them. That experience sparked a lasting drive to become someone capable of diagnosing and repairing the equipment others depend on. As a first-generation college student cutting a new path to excellence, I am pursuing that goal at Spokane Community College in the Automotive Technicians program. This educational path reflects a deep commitment to growth and resilience. Overcoming significant personal challenges, including beating cancer twice, has strengthened my focus and deepened my appreciation for meaningful, hands-on work. Currently, my family is facing another profound hurdle: my daughter suffers from severe scoliosis and faces an upcoming, major operation. Balancing the heavy time commitment and resources required to support her recovery alongside my intensive studies demands absolute focus and resilience, but it only reinforces my drive to succeed for my family. As modern vehicles become increasingly dependent on advanced electronics, I have chosen to specialize in diagnostics to position myself at the forefront of the industry. My dedication is reflected in my 3.9 GPA and passing my ASE A6 certification exam shortly after my first quarter. Summer quarter, I completed L3, EV's & Hybrids with a 3.8 gpa. These accomplishments demonstrate my ability to quickly adapt to complex electrical systems, including 3 phase in EV's, and apply my knowledge practically. While working toward this goal, I experienced a significant setback. During a period of medical treatment, my storage unit was broken into, and my Autel MaxiSys Pro scanner was stolen. Losing this critical equipment created a steep financial and professional challenge at a pivotal point in my training. However, it also solidified my ultimate ambition and need to find a way to replace it. Upon graduation, my ultimate goal is to launch a nonprofit foundation and car dealership in honor of my brother, Jerry Rise. Leveraging my professional network, this foundation will acquire back-lot vehicles and trade-ins from local dealership partners. I will use my advanced diagnostic expertise to repair these vehicles, coordinating with volunteer mechanics who donate their time to give back to the poor, needy, homeless, and elderly in our community. Receiving the Bick Vocational/Trade School Scholarship would provide essential support to replace my stolen scanner, purchase necessary tools, supplement my family's income, and offset housing expenses during my daughter's medical crisis. This investment will not only allow me to turn adversity into progress but will fuel a career defined by precision, problem-solving, and a profound lasting impact on my community.

I remember watching my father come home exhausted after long days of work, yet he never complained. When my parents came to America, they were starting their lives from the ground up. We lived in low-income housing and moved several times as rent increased. My father was the main breadwinner, and watching him sacrifice his time, energy, and comfort for our family taught me that hard work, faith, and perseverance are what carry a person through life. One day, I hope to take the baton from him and become the person who provides for my own family. My interest in electrical work began with something I was already passionate about: technology. Growing up, I could spend hours using computers, phones, cables, speakers, and audio equipment. Whenever relatives needed help setting up a device, connecting a television, fixing Wi-Fi, or securing their accounts, I was the person they called. At church, I also became involved with microphones, speakers, and production equipment. I eventually realized that what I enjoyed doing naturally could become a career where I could use my skills to serve others. My biggest obstacle has been balancing education with work. I have worked while attending school since my senior year of high school. My current job can require 7–10 hour days and sometimes out-of-state travel, making it difficult to maintain the time and energy necessary for school. I have sacrificed time with friends, sports, and even going to the gym—things that were once a major part of my life. There were moments when quitting seemed easier, but I would get on my knees and pray. My faith has given me the wisdom and resilience to keep moving forward, including the hard work my father has put in. My goal is not simply to earn a paycheck. Within five years, I want to earn my journeyman's license while continuing toward a bachelor's degree in computer science and cybersecurity. Within ten years, I want to own an LLC that combines electrical, technology, and cybersecurity services, employs others, and becomes a company people can trust. I want to become someone people can rely on. This scholarship would help me turn that vision into reality. The costs of gas, transportation, food, rent, insurance, and school materials add pressure while I am working and studying. Financial support would allow me to reduce my work hours when necessary, dedicate more time to studying, and enter each class prepared to learn. Most importantly, it would bring me closer to the day when I can give my parents the opportunity to rest after everything they sacrificed for me and my siblings. My ultimate dream is to retire them and take them back to Africa to enjoy the life they worked so hard to build for us.

There are nights when I leave work completely exhausted, knowing I have given everything I have to caring for someone else, and I still go home thinking about whether I did enough. That is how I know healthcare is more than a job to me. I am a 33-year-old mother of five and a CNA working in long-term care. On August 31, I will begin Practical Nursing school. Getting to say those words means more to me than I can explain, because there were many points in my life when becoming a nurse felt more like a dream I had to keep putting off than something I would actually get to do. Life did not stop and wait for me to be ready. I became a mother. I had bills to pay and children depending on me. I worked long, exhausting hours because my family needed the income. Somewhere in the middle of taking care of everyone else, it became very easy to put my own dreams last. But working as a CNA changed me. I have cared for people who could no longer do the simplest things for themselves. I have held hands, wiped tears, protected dignity, learned how to understand people who struggled to communicate, and advocated when I felt someone’s needs were not being heard. I have learned that sometimes the smallest act of care can mean everything to a person who has lost so much independence. Those people are the reason I stopped saying “maybe someday” about nursing. My biggest obstacle now is not whether I am capable of becoming a nurse. I finally believe that I am. It is figuring out how to pursue that dream while still being the mother and provider my family needs. My children will watch me leave for work, come home tired, open my textbooks, study, and get up the next morning to do it again. I know there will be days when I question how I can possibly keep everything together. I also know five pairs of eyes will be watching what I do next. I want my children to remember that their mother did not wait for life to become easy before she chased something bigger. I want them to know that being scared, tired, or struggling does not mean you quit. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than help with tuition. It would mean fewer extra hours I need to work and more time to study, be present for my children, and give myself a real chance to succeed. I have spent years helping care for other people’s lives. Now I am finally giving myself the chance to change mine. And on August 31, when I walk into that classroom, I will be walking in for every resident who taught me what compassionate care looks like, for the woman I have fought to become, and most of all, for the five children watching their mom prove that it is never too late to believe in yourself.

I was inspired to pursue a trade because I have always been drawn to hands-on work and problem-solving. From a young age, I found satisfaction in fixing, building, and creating tangible results, and I realized that a career in the trades would allow me to combine skill, creativity, and practicality to make a meaningful impact. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out solutions, learning new techniques, and seeing the immediate results of my work. More than that, I saw the trades as a path to build a stable future and an opportunity to set a positive example for my community. My journey has not been without obstacles. I faced significant challenges, including a period of incarceration, which disrupted my life and made it difficult to envision a positive future. During that time, my mental health was tested, and I struggled with isolation and uncertainty. Returning to school required resilience, determination, and a commitment to personal growth. I had to rebuild my confidence, refocus on my goals, and learn how to balance education with personal responsibilities. Overcoming these obstacles has strengthened my character, taught me perseverance, and given me a deeper understanding of the value of hard work and discipline. My goals are to continue developing my skills in maintenance, electrical work, and other trades, earn certifications, and eventually start my own business. I also want to give back to my community by mentoring young people and others who face setbacks, showing them that it is possible to rebuild your life and pursue a meaningful career. Skilled work matters because it provides stability, solves real-world problems, and contributes to the well-being of communities. It is not just a job—it is a craft that builds confidence, independence, and pride in one’s work. This scholarship would help me continue my education by covering the costs of tuition, tools, and training materials, allowing me to focus on learning and advancing my career without the constant worry of financial barriers. It would give me the resources to gain the certifications and hands-on experience needed to excel in my chosen field and to transform my experiences into opportunities to inspire and support others. I am proud of the journey I am on and the progress I have made. My experiences have taught me that obstacles can be turned into opportunities, that growth comes from perseverance, and that success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by the impact we have on others. Pursuing a career in the trades allows me to build a future I can be proud of while giving back and showing that it is always possible to change your life around.

Being a first-generation college student means everything in the world to me. My name is Martiana Lumbus, and even my name reminds me of who I am—unique, uncommon, and someone who stands out in her own way. My name gives me confidence, and being the first in my family to pursue higher education gives me purpose. It means breaking cycles, opening doors, and building a future that the generations before me didn’t have the chance to create. My journey has not been easy. Losing my mother to gun violence and having my father go to jail a month later changed my life forever. Those moments were traumatic and painful, but they also lit a fire in me. They taught me that I have to work twice as hard, not only for myself but for the family members who still depend on me. My motivation comes from wanting more—more stability, more opportunity, and more success than the circumstances I was born into. I want to be someone my future children can look up to, someone my siblings can lean on, and someone who turns hurt into strength. Being a first-generation student means I am willing to dream bigger than my challenges. I have many dreams because I refuse to limit myself. I already hold a Film and Media Arts degree, and at 24 years old, I am proud of how far I’ve come. But I also know I want to build stability for my future, so I am studying cosmetology and esthetics to create businesses I can eventually pass down to my kids one day. I want to set up a strong foundation with an LLC, business insurance, and a business 401(k) plan so my work can grow even when I’m no longer physically able to do hair or skincare services. I also dream of becoming an ultrasound technician. It is a career that would give me consistent income, something to rely on as I get older, while my business investments and retirement plans build in the background. I want a life that allows me to take care of myself, my future family, and the family I have now who are struggling. I want to break generational patterns and create generational wealth. This scholarship would help me move closer to those goals. It would allow me to pay for school, invest in my education, and get the proper training I need to build the future I’m working so hard for. Winning this award would not solve everything, but it would give me a real start—a chance to breathe, focus, and invest in the dreams I’ve laid out for myself. I am not perfect, and my life has been far from easy, but I have heart, determination, and a clear sense of purpose. I want more for myself and my family, and being a first-generation student is my first step toward rewriting my future. This scholarship would help me continue that journey.

Choosing a career in the skilled trades wasn’t just a decision for me — it was a survival choice. I grew up learning how to make something out of nothing, stay strong even when things felt unstable, and keep going when life was heavy. I didn’t come from money or privilege, but I came from resilience, and that pushed me toward a future where I could build stability with my own hands. As a Black woman entering the trades, I often feel like I am entering spaces not designed with me in mind. There are days I feel out of place, underestimated, or invisible, but deep down, I know I belong here. I am not just trying to break into this field — I am trying to break generational barriers. I want to be proof that girls like me can work with their hands, master technical skills, and build powerful careers. The obstacles I've faced haven’t only been academic or financial. They have been emotional. I've had to fight moments of self-doubt, fear, and the pressure of wanting more for my future than what I've seen growing up. I've carried the weight of wondering if I'm doing enough, choosing the right path, or if anyone will see my potential. Still, I show up. I keep studying. I keep trying. What drives me is simple but powerful: I want independence. I want to build a life where I don’t feel trapped by circumstances or limited by fear. I want to be able to take care of myself, provide for my future, and stand confidently on my own. I want stability, pride in my work, and a future I can control. Learning a trade empowers me to shape my own path and create a life that feels secure and meaningful. This scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would lift a financial burden and allow me to be fully present in my education. Instead of constantly worrying about how I will afford this training, I could focus on sharpening my skills and showing up every day with confidence and motivation. Skilled work matters because behind every safe building, every working system, and every protected space is someone who cared enough to do it right. I want to be that person. I want people to be safer because I chose not to give up. I am proud of my journey, not just because of where I am now, but because of what it took to get here. Every obstacle I faced taught me resilience. Every setback taught me patience. I am not just learning a trade — I am building a future that breaks cycles and opens doors. I carry the responsibility of being a role model, not only for myself but for other young women watching and wondering if they can do it too. I am ready to work hard and represent my community with pride. I am not just chasing a career — I am building a legacy.

My inspiration for pursuing HVAC trade work comes from a truth I learned growing up in Broward County, Florida: air conditioning is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. I have watched families struggle when systems break down and seen how essential skilled technicians are to keeping homes safe. As a first-generation student from a Jamaican family, I watched my mother work twelve-hour days, with income split to support my three siblings in Jamaica and me here. Seeing the limits my parents faced without education or trade credentials made me determined to build a different future and gain in-demand skills that let me provide for my family faster. The obstacles I have faced mirror those of many vocational students. Financial hardship makes trade school and certifications feel overwhelming. As a first-gen student, I have had to research programs and financial aid on my own because my parents never had these opportunities. I have doubted whether I could do this, but I have turned frustration into determination, using every resource I can find and relying on the self-reliance that has become my strength. My goals are clear: become a certified HVAC technician and eventually start my own HVAC business. I am pursuing trade school for certifications, vocational programs for hands-on training, and college courses for business fundamentals. This mix will give me technical expertise and business knowledge. HVAC work is always in demand, especially in Florida, which means job security and a faster path to supporting my family. I also volunteer as a theater tech aid at Dillard High School, operating sound and lighting boards, which has strengthened my technical skills and shown me how much I enjoy hands-on work. I believe skilled work matters because it is the backbone of our communities. Electricians keep our lights on, mechanics keep our vehicles running, and HVAC technicians keep our homes comfortable and safe. These careers deserve respect because they make the world function. Skilled trades provide pathways to self-sufficiency without requiring four-year degrees, offering immediate earning potential, valuable expertise, and opportunities for entrepreneurship and community impact. This scholarship would remove the financial barriers that could keep me from completing trade school and earning my HVAC certifications. With this support, I can focus on training instead of worrying about cost, finish my certifications, gain experience, and start building the career that leads to the self-sufficient life I have envisioned. It validates that choosing the trades is valuable and will help me show my family and community that vocational education opens doors to stability, success, and meaningful contribution.

My name is Alex Diggs, and I am a 30-year-old woman whose life has been shaped by both loss and responsibility. My father passed away when I was just two years old, leaving my mother, a Portuguese immigrant, to raise five children—two of whom have chronic illnesses—on her own. Growing up, I learned early that life could be unpredictable and demanding. By the age of 15, I had become financially responsible for myself, balancing work, school, and family obligations. These experiences taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of caring for others—lessons that now guide my path toward a career in nursing. I am drawn to the field of Licensed Vocational Nursing because it allows me to combine my compassion with practical, hands-on skills that make a real difference in people’s lives. Nursing is more than a career to me; it is a calling. I have seen firsthand how essential care and support are, not only in my own family but in the lives of countless individuals who rely on skilled professionals for comfort, healing, and dignity. Every day in this profession presents the opportunity to ease suffering, provide reassurance, and make tangible improvements in someone’s health and quality of life. That purpose fuels my passion and motivates me to excel in my training. The path to this goal has not been easy. Financial hardships, family responsibilities, and the demands of self-sufficiency have been constant companions. Yet, rather than discouraging me, these obstacles strengthened my resolve. I learned to manage time wisely, persevere through challenges, and maintain focus on my long-term goals. Every sacrifice—every late night of studying or extra shift at work—has been an investment in my future as a skilled, compassionate nurse. My goal is to complete my LVN program with excellence, gain confidence in my clinical skills, and build a career where I can provide meaningful care to patients who need it most. Skilled work matters because it touches lives directly; a nurse’s knowledge, patience, and dedication can change a day, a prognosis, or even a life. I want to be the kind of nurse who embodies competence, empathy, and reliability—someone who patients and families can trust. Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing. It would allow me to focus on my education without the constant weight of financial stress, and it would affirm the sacrifices I’ve made and the resilience I bring to my work. Most importantly, it would bring me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse—transforming my personal challenges into a career of purpose and service. I am proud of my journey, and I am ready to dedicate myself fully to this path. Nursing is not just a profession for me; it is the culmination of my experiences, my compassion, and my determination to make a difference in the world. Thank you so much for your consideration and I do hope this essay will allow me to be able to successfully finish my program with out any Finacial worries.

My choice to pursue a trade in cybersecurity was shaped by one of the most difficult moments of my life. I survived a near-death domestic violence incident — in front of my 13-month-old son. That day forced me to relocate, leave everything familiar, and rebuild from nothing. I carried both the trauma of that experience and the urgent responsibility to create a safe, stable future for my child. My son is my greatest inspiration. He motivates me to strive, thrive, and push past every obstacle. I want to give him a life defined by peace, security, and opportunity — and I want him to see that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to rise stronger. Cybersecurity appealed to me because it mirrors my own journey. At its core, it is about protecting others — safeguarding systems, defending against threats, and preventing harm. Just as I fought to protect myself and my son, I now want to use my skills to protect others in the digital world. Houston Community College’s program offers the hands-on, real-world training I need to make that vision a reality. The road here has not been easy. Relocating meant starting over without a strong support system, facing financial instability, and balancing parenting with the demands of school. There were times when exhaustion and uncertainty felt overwhelming. Still, I refused to give up. I learned to budget carefully, seek out available resources, and lean on a small but reliable network of support. Each class I complete strengthens my determination to succeed. Skilled work like cybersecurity is vital in today’s world. Technology touches every part of our lives, and with it comes the need for skilled professionals to keep systems safe. Cybersecurity is not just about computers — it’s about trust, stability, and protection. I am committed to becoming a professional who provides that security. This scholarship would make a significant difference. It would ease the financial strain, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and skill development. More than that, it would be an investment in the future I am building for my son — one where he grows up in an environment of stability, peace, and prosperity. My journey has taught me resilience, purpose, and the importance of using my skills to help others. With the support of this scholarship, I can take the next step toward a career that changes lives — starting with my own family’s.